Abstract
The novel The Neighbors by Mahmoud is a prominent example of regional literature in Iran, providing a vivid depiction of the social, cultural, and political context of southern Iran in the mid-20th century. A central theme of the novel is the representation of women’s status and the reflection of popular beliefs associated with them—beliefs rooted in historical traditions, cultural values, and social superstitions. In Mahmoud’s narrative, these beliefs are manifested through concepts such as male honor and control, self-harm, traditional female roles, belief in luck and, maternal foresight, women’s singing, emotional behaviors, gendered humiliation and insults, and social judgment toward widowed women.
This study employs a descriptive-analytical approach based on qualitative library research. Data were extracted from the text and analyzed through the theoretical frameworks of folklore and popular culture, presents these beliefs not merely as reflections of local culture but as instruments to critique patriarchal structures and to portray the limitations imposed on women in traditional society.
From this perspective, The Neighbors is a text of not only literary value but also sociological and ethnographic significance in understanding popular culture and women-related beliefs in contemporary Iran.
Keywords: Ahmad Mahmoud, The Neighbors, popular culture, women’s folk beliefs, social